Speeding drivers and those using mobile phones while behind the wheel are being put on notice as part of a police crackdown on north-west roads.
North-west Inspector Simon Stevens said Melton and Brimbank highway patrol officers had been conducting three operations across both municipalities since November.
The ongoing operations are funded by the Transport Accident Commission.
Melton police have been running Operation Ninja, targeting speeding, mobile phone and seatbelt offences on 11 roads identified as having the highest levels of road trauma in Melton and Caroline Springs.
Since November 16, 319 people have been booked for 392 offences, including 174 for speeding, 40 for not wearing a seatbelt, 29 for unlicensed driving and 17 for using a mobile phone behind the wheel.
As part of Operation Buckley, Brimbank police have focused on mobile phone use and seatbelt offences on Ballarat Road, Western Highway, Melton Highway, Taylors Road in Keilor Downs and Station and Main roads in St Albans. More than 100 drivers were stopped for 120 offences including 56 for using mobile phones, 23 for not wearing a seatbelt and 10 for driving an unregistered vehicle. Nine unlicensed drivers were also apprehended.
Brimbank police have also been conducting Operation Cannonball, targeting the municipality’s eight worst areas for road trauma.
Inspector Stevens said all three operations were being conducted for the first time.
He warned that police would show no mercy to those caught doing the wrong thing.
“The impact of being involved in a collision where someone is injured or killed is life-changing,’’ he said.
“Our role, in conjunction with our partners at the TAC, is to make the roads a safer place.
‘‘Without the help of the community this will remain a challenge, but we won’t stop taking dangerous drivers off our roads.”
